Bacon Chicken Corn Chowder
Servings: 6 people
Cost: 15
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon chopped
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced (rotisserie works great)
- 1 15 oz can whole kernel corn, drained (or 1½ cups frozen corn)
- 1 14–15 oz can cream-style corn
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half for richer chowder
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter optional
- 1 tablespoon flour optional, for thicker chowder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the bacon
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 1–2 tablespoons bacon fat in the pot.
Sauté aromatics
- Add diced onion to the pot and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Optional thickening step
- For thicker chowder, stir in butter and sprinkle flour over onions. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Add liquids + corn
- Slowly pour in chicken stock while stirring. Add whole kernel corn and cream-style corn. Stir to combine.
Add chicken + vegetables
- Stir in frozen mixed vegetables, cooked chicken, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10–12 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Finish creamy + cheesy
- Stir in milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Do not boil once cheese is added.
Serve
- Top with reserved bacon and herbs if desired.
Notes
Add cheese off the heat or over very low heat to prevent curdling.
Freshly shredded cheddar melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.
Cream-style corn helps naturally thicken the chowder.
If soup thickens too much after cooling, add a splash of milk or broth when reheating.
Stores well up to 4 days; reheats best gently on the stovetop.
Nutrition
Calories: 469kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 102mg | Sodium: 716mg | Potassium: 555mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 3720IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 350mg | Iron: 2mg
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